Metal Injection Moulding -Technological Trends and European Business Situation

The global metal injection moulding industry is getting mature. The technology is on its way to grow from a niche technology to a widely accepted manufacturing process. This paper addresses the latest technological trends in MIM. Challenges in materials development as well as the current limits of the technology are discussed. Trends in processing like 2-component injection moulding and micro injection moulding are presented. The European MIM market situation is described and some key factors for business success are addressed. In the discussion of future business opportunities best practice examples are included.